ARC360 News – Friday 23 January 2026

Insurers turn out in force for ARC360 2026

More than 50 individual representatives from over 20 insurance companies have already confirmed their attendance at ARC360 2026, highlighting the event’s growing importance as a collaborative platform for the motor claims and repair sector. Read more

Motofix Group has expanded its commitment to sustainable and future-ready vehicle repair with the acquisition of nine new EXT plastic welders from Cornerstone Technologies Ltd, enhancing its group-wide plastic repair capability. Read more

James Hill has started a new position as Chief Financial Officer at The Vella Group. 

Tom Jones has started a new position as Group HR Director at Precision Repair Group. 

Nova Automotive Group has gained Tesla Approval at its Witham site. Read more

Fix Auto Basingstoke has achieved BS10125 certification, within just one month of opening their doors.

Sarah Haverson has started a new position as Production Manager for Dereham Site at East Bilney Coachworks Ltd.

Mobile ADAS calibration specialist,Primrose Radar, has partnered with RWC Training to implement its national CPD programme, ‘Train to Gain’, supporting both compliance with BS 10125 and wider workforce development. Read more

Core Diagnostics now provides multi-brand ADAS calibration services for trucks, supporting leading OEM platforms including MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Trucks, DAF, Iveco, and Volvo.

Onyx and BodyNet have launched a combined proposition – under one exciting new brand,Onyx Repair Innovations. Read more

Storm Auto Services is proud to announce from the start of January 2026 that RAC, North London Garages and Storm Auto Services are teaming up to help train the next generation of roadside technicians. Read more

Market-leading ADAS implementation sees BMW X3 crowned 2026’s safest car

Following a rigorous judging process involving Thatcham Research experts and What Car? magazine, the BMW X3 has been crowned 2026’s safest car. Read more

What Car? Awards 2026: The best cars on the market revealed

We name all the winners in this year’s What Car? Car of the Year, as we name the finest cars on sale today… Read more

Hyundai IONIQ 9 Secures Top Honors for Safety, Quality and Reliability

Hyundai Motor Company’s flagship three-row electric SUV, IONIQ 9, is earning global recognition across safety, quality and reliability, reinforcing the company’s leadership in delivering dependable electric mobility at the top end of the SUV segment. Read more

The car that changes the game – meet the new, all-electric Volvo EX60

Say hello to the Volvo EX60 – a new, all-electric mid-size SUV that changes the game in the largest electric market segment in terms of range, charging speed, performance and price. The five-seater, family-friendly EX60 ends range anxiety, delivers a groundbreaking user experience and represents the next frontier in safety. It is also Volvo Cars’ first entry in the largest electric segment globally, allowing it to substantially increase its addressable market and electric market share.  Read more

Volkswagen Group deliveries remain stable in 2025

“The Volkswagen Group was on a solid track in 2025 – despite a challenging market environment. With around nine million vehicles delivered, our sales remain stable thanks to our attractive products across all brands and drive types. We have made good progress in comprehensively renewing our product range. Our new vehicles are receiving an excellent response and have won numerous awards.” Oliver Blume, CEO Volkswagen Group. Read more

MG moves into the sales fast lane

MG Motor achieved impressive growth over the course of 2025 confirming the delivery of its 100,000 EV in its UK home market and also reaching 300,000 vehicle sales across Europe for the first time, representing nearly a 30 percent increase over the previous year. Read more

Agility in action: why operational excellence demands flexibility

Operational excellence used to mean efficiency and consistency. In today’s automotive landscape, it means agility. The rapid pace of change, from electrification and new vehicle technologies to evolving customer expectations and sustainability pressures, has redefined what good looks like operationally. For service providers like Autoglass, operational excellence is no longer about following a fixed formula; it’s about being ready to adapt that formula at speed. Read more

Evolving vehicles, shifting expectations

In a data-rich presentation, Paul Sell, Director at Trend Tracker, explored how the UK’s car parc has evolved – and how this transformation is shaping claims management, repair trends and customer expectations across the insurance sector. Read more

IMS powers ‘Drive Smart’ programme as telematics solution partner for Motability Operations in groundbreaking initiative 

IMS is delighted to announce its role as the telematics solution partner behind the Motability Scheme’s Drive Smart programme in the UK. Building on its award-winning smartphone telematics technologies – IMS One App and IMS Wedge – IMS will power the Drive Smart system, to promote and reward safer, mindful driving amongst scheme customers. Read more

BASF Color Report: Green and gray redefine the 2025 automotive color landscape

In 2025, the global automotive color landscape reflects a clear shift toward individuality and nature-inspired aesthetics as consumers continue to move away from traditional favorites, as analyzed by BASF Coatings in the latest Color Report for Automotive OEM Coatings. Read more

UK becomes first non-EU country to gain SERMI approval

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has confirmed full approval of the SERMI scheme in the UK, marking a significant milestone for independent automotive repairers and securing access to vital vehicle security data. Read more

Audatex UK Data Update 22nd January 2026

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest data update, D4.84, which will be available from 22 January 2026. This update includes enhancements to 76 model sheers and the addition of 12 new models to our industry-leading vehicle database. Read more

Charles Trent named exclusive UK recycling partner for BMW Group

Charles Trent Limited has been appointed as the exclusive long-term recycling partner for BMW Group UK, covering end-of-life vehicles across BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Read more

Octopus EV and Admiral Pioneer launch smarter insurance for salary sacrifice EV drivers

Octopus Electric Vehicles has partnered with Admiral Pioneer to deliver a new insurance model designed to make EV salary sacrifice schemes smarter, simpler and better value for drivers. Read more

eBay reveals UK’s most expensive car parts sold in 2025

eBay has unveiled the top 10 most expensive car parts and accessories sold in the UK during 2025, highlighting strong demand for high-performance engines and rare vehicle bodywork. Read more

Silverlake continues partnership with Hampshire Police to support road safety

Silverlake Automotive Recycling has reaffirmed its commitment to road safety by continuing its long-standing partnership with the Hampshire Roads Policing Training Unit throughout 2026. The collaboration, now in its third year, supports the delivery of the mandatory Prohibition PG9 course – a three-day training programme attended by officers from Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police. The course grants officers the powers of an authorised Vehicle Examiner, enabling them to identify and prohibit vehicles deemed a danger to the public. Read more

Ben launches financial wellbeing campaign

Industry charity Ben has launched a new financial wellbeing campaign to support automotive workers and their families facing rising financial pressures. Unveiled on Blue Monday – often described as the most difficult day of the year – the campaign aims to raise awareness of the growing impact of money worries and highlight the confidential help available through Ben’s support services. Read more

Natalie Horton has started an expanded role as Interim Senior Manager – Motor Operations at The AA. 

Kevin Howe has started a new role as Volkswagen Group Paint & Body Development Manager at Avant Consult Ltd.

Cogent Hire has strengthened its senior leadership team with two strategic appointments aimed at accelerating growth and enhancing partner relationships within the credit hire sector. The company has welcomed Pete Griffiths as Recoveries Director and Abi McSorley as Business Relationship Manager. Read more